David Solomon (AC) began his career as a 16 year old at BALM Paints (now Dulux) where he developed a keen interest in the chemistry of polymers. He went on to complete his studies obtaining a BSc(Hons) in 1952, MSc in 1955, PhD in 1959 for his thesis entitled “Studies on the Chemistry of Carbonyl Compounds” and DSC in 1968 for his thesis “Studies on the Chemistry of Coating Compounds”.
He also received an Honorary Doctorate in Applied Science from the University of Melbourne in 2005, one of only 7 awarded in the University’s history.
After several years of employment at BALM/Dulux, and the establishment of his first polymer research group, David moved to the Division of Applied Mineralogy at CSIRO in 1963 where he continued with studies on polymers. In 1970 he transferred to the Division of Applied Chemistry) and then in 1974 became the Foundation Chief of the new Division of Applied Organic Chemistry (now Material Science and Engineering). He built up the CSIRO Polymer Research Group where he led research projects including the discovery of Nitroxide Mediated Polymerization (NMP) and the development of the world’s first polymer banknotes, among other things.
In 1990 he accepted an invitation to move to The University of Melbourne as the ICI Australia – Masson Professor and Head of the School of Chemistry. He then transferred to the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering in 1995 where he established his third internationally regarded polymer group; the Polymer Science Group, to which he still acts as an advisor. In 2015 he was awarded the title Professor Emeritus at the University.
David has been the recipient of many distinguished awards, highlighting the international impact he has had in the field of polymer science. He has received 23 awards, and given over 20 invited lectures. A selection of awards is listed below:
- Companion of the Order of Australia (2016): Awarded for eminent service to science, commercialisation activities and professional scientific institutions.
- Prime Minister’s Prize for Science (2011): Australia’s most prestigious and highly regarded award (equivalent to Nobel Prize) for excellence in science. Awarded jointly with Dr Ezio Rizzardo for contributions to polymer science.
- Victoria Prize (2006): Awarded to a leading scientist/engineer for advancing knowledge with the potential to be commercialized. Awarded for work on polymer banknotes.
- Centenary Medal (2001): Awarded by the Australian Government for contributions to polymer science and chemical engineering.
- Clunies Ross National Science and Technology Award (1994). Awarded by the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) for the application of Australian technological science and engineering for the benefit of the community.
- CSIRO Medal (1987, 1990): Awarded for significant research achievement in Australia.
- The Australian Bicentennial Science Achievement Award (1988): Awarded for contribution to a better Australia by way of research.
Find out more about David Solomon's experience
David Solomon's highlights
FEATURED Journal article
Duolayers at the Air/Water Interface: Improved Lifetime through Ionic Interactions
Read moreDavid Solomon's selected work
Projects
Displaying the 7 most recent projects by David Solomon.
Project Types
4
Research Grant
3
Research Contracts
Scholarly Works
Displaying the 237 most recent scholarly works by David Solomon.
Keyword Analysis
News
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Honours, Awards and Fellowships
Companion of the Order of Australia
Member of the Order of Australia
For significant role in revolutionising polymer science.
NES Award for Novel Engineering Solutions 2007
Victoria Prize
Ian William Wark Medal and Lecture
Leighton Memorial Medal
Applied Research Medal
Polymer Medal
David Syme Research Prize
H.G. Smith Memorial Medal
H.G. Smith Memorial Medal
Archibald D. Olle Prize
FICHEME - Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers
FRS - Fellow of the Royal Society
FRACI - Fellow of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute
FAA - Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science
FTSE - Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering
Credentials
Positions
Honorary
Chemical Engineering
Micheme - Member Of Icheme
Institution of Chemical Engineers
Education
Honorary Doctorate of Applied Science
University of Melbourne
Doctor of Science
University of New South Wales
Doctor of Philosophy
University of New South Wales
Master of Science
New South Wales University of Technology
Bachelor of Science
New South Wales University of Technology